INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Pope Francis chose not to wait for tomorrow’s diamond jubilee of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy before publishing his letter, Desiderio desideravi, 18 months ago.
It’s a heartfelt appeal for ‘the whole Church to rediscover, to safeguard, and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration’ (#16). He goes on, ‘I would like this letter to help us to rekindle our wonder for the beauty of the truth of the Christian celebration’ (#62).
He concludes: ‘Let us continue to be astonished at the beauty of the Liturgy. The Paschal Mystery has been given to us. Let us allow ourselves to be embraced by the desire that the Lord continues to have to eat his Passover with us’ (#65). Amen to that!
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For today’s young adults, that they not be daunted by the complex challenges facing their generation, but will support each other with Advent hope.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, Jesus wants us to be ever alert for his advent among us. In peace and thankfulness, let us pray for God’s blessing on the whole of creation.
READER
We pray for our war-torn and fractured world. May all in positions of authority and power do their utmost to end bloodshed and kindle new hope for peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church around the world. May Christian communities everywhere welcome this new year of grace with joy and thanksgiving. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all the baptised. May the 60th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (4 December) call everyone again to full, conscious and active participation in the church’s life of prayer. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for persons living with a disability. May this week’s United Nations observance (3 December) mark world-wide progress in the recognition of both their needs and their gifts. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for fire-fighters and emergency service personnel as summer approaches. May they stay safe themselves as they labour to protect the community from dangerous events. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have experienced loss, disappointment or difficulties in the course of this year. May the season of Advent promise them healing and hope. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people completing their secondary schooling or tertiary degrees this year. May they be blessed with the opportunity to choose a rewarding path in life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for each other in this faith community. May we allow the Divine Potter to shape our clay into a graceful work of art. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they be called by name on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God, faithful Father and Redeemer, you never cease to bless us with grace and mercy. Bring us to the fullness of life in Christ, your Son, who is Lord for ever and ever.